In this product review we will introduce tactical backpack Crafter 55 from Wisport - well-known Polish manufacturer of tactical and hunting backpacks and accessories. The backpack has fully adjustable carrying system and many other features. Let´s find out more.
Introduction
Wisport offers backpacks of capacity 15 to 85 liters. Backpack Wisport Crafter with capacity 55 liters represents medium size three-day backpacks, so something between small one-day backpack and large, expedition backpack.
It is sutable for both professional use, as well as demanding hikes. I chose to use this backpack for multi-day demanding hikes so in this review we will focus mainly on its use under these circumstances.
The review of this backpack for professional use can be found in Soldato team review, with which Top-Armyshop cooperates.
Details
Capacity and weight
What caught my interest first were the dimensions of the pack that are 65x34x27 cm. After receiving the backpacks I had some doubts as its dimensions at first glance did not correspond to specified capacity so I did a water filling test.
The main compartment could fit approx 40 l of water. However, when we add the lid with its extra pockets, we are on +/- 55 liters. The following stuffing of the backpack with the gear just confirmed this capacity.
The result is, that the design of the backpack optically deceives and Crafter 55 looks smaller than my original SilverFox 2 (with capacity 40 l). So the fear of misleading capacity is gone.
The weight of pack itself is approx 2,5 kg. When packed, the weight was around 17 kg and compared to other backpacks I have used in the past, the perceived weight was lower thanks to the backpack´s design. Even after all day carry I did not feel any fatigue whatsoever.
Backpack with my Camelbak, Bladder from Tasmanian Tiger®.
Main compartment
I hugely appreciate access to the backpack. This pack has a chamber design, the main compartment is accessible via lid, which is unusally fasten by two way zipper.
However, that is not all. The main compartment is also accessible from the front via large "U" shaped clamshell zip opening without having to dig through a massive main compartment and re-organize everything.
This feature was one of the main reasons why I purchased this backpack. It really makes organization and handling with the pack much more easier.
The "U" shaped clamshell zip opening makes handling with the content much more easier.
Additional pockets
Considering the carried gear I have also used two additional 9l pockets and thanks to the MOLLE webbing system I have added another 18 l, which means, now I had capacity of 74 liters !
The additional side pockets extend capacity for another 18l. I have used them to store Adventure Menu foods and Jetboil® gas stove.
At the front I have attached another additional pouch for 3l hydration bladder. For practical reasons, I never put that in the back pocket (no matter the backpack). In a back pocket, it may take precious space that I can use for example for underquilt and other gear. Moreover, by placing the Camelbak at the front, the often lengthy and difficult handling with it is also resolved.
Material
The main material used is Cordura® nylon, which makes this backpack highly-durable and suitable for demanding use.
All zippers are Wisport zippers which are also high-quality and durable and I have never had any single issue with them whatsoever.
Carrying system
The great advantage is also FAS system - fully adjustable carrying system, that ensures a tailored fit for every user. It is Wisport´s proprietary system and provides excellent stability even with heavier loads. Extra stability is ensured by aluminium frame (two removable aluminium profiles).
When developing carrying system they also thought about ventilation, which is solved by a large space between the loin and upper spine, that enormously increase user comfort during prolonged carry.
Fully adjustable carrying system with excellent ventilation. After experiencing that, I wouldn't change it for anything else.
Shoulder straps and hip belt
Shoulder straps and hip belt are extremely comfortable, ergonomic, providing comfort during the entire carrying time. The shoulders straps also feature system that allows attachment of tubes from hydration bladder, which can be placed in the back compartment (I use it differently as described above).
Shoulder straps are padded, ergonomic and equipped with system for attaching hydration tubes and with quick release buckles.
Another features and accessories
MOLLE webbing at the front, on the sides as well as on the hip belt. This allows attachment of additional modules and pockets (see Wisport accessories) and increase backpack´s capacity ( Wisport offers pockets of capacity 5-9 liters).
Easier handling with fully loaded backpack is provided by handles located on the top, at the bottom as well as by side handles (that can also be used for attaching skis).
We need to also mention D rings, that can be again found on the top, sides, as well as at the bottom, and also webbing straps on the bottom for attaching a sleeping bag, jacket, etc., giving us more modularity. There are also side and front compression straps with quick release buckles that allow us to attach even more gear and clothing and for attachment we can also use flexi-cord with cord stopper.
For doffing, I was using the help of multiple quick-release buckles, that allow the backpack to be quickly dropped on the ground when required, which also makes handling with the backpack easier.
One of the last features is a waterproof cover with drawstring placed in a double bottom. This waterproof cover will cover the entire backpack including all extra pockets, which is not usual and it is a big plus, especially when you get caught in the rain (which was my case).
Additional 9l pockets on the sides, hip belt with MOLLE compatible pouch
Pros
Wisport Crafter 55 pros :
- Sophisticated carrying system
- Rain cover hidden inside easily accessible bottom compartment
First impressions, first test
Now I have my backpack fully loaded so I can go for my three-day trip and give it a first proper test.
After my first steps I could already tell that this backpack provides above-standard comfort and shoulder straps, together with padded waist belt help to distribute weight evenly and relieve the pressure from the back.
The design of padded shoulder straps is excellent and my high-expactions of comfortable carrying were confirmed even after all day carry. The backpack showed excellent stability and from the very first moment I knew that Wisport FAS system is the right choice.
With the previous backpacks, the attachment of sleeping bag by using straps on the lid was always problematic as the lid was always moving. Thanks to the strong zipper fastening the lifted lid is stable and does not cause unwanted movement while walking, running, etc.
Compression straps on the lid along with the handle (another handle is also at the back).
What can be considered as disadvantage is the impossibility of extension of the lid which is usually provided by straps with quick-release buckles. However, the solid structure and stability of the lid makes from this disadvantage rather advantage.
Removable and lifted lid with zippered pocket. Innovative solution that offers excellent stability of the lid.
When the weather changed and I got caught in the rain, I used included waterproof cover placed in a double bottom. The pleasant surprise was, that the manufacturer was taking into account even extra accessories so the cover comfortably covered the entire backpack with all additional pockets and gear and thanks to it everything stayed nicely dry.
The front "U" shaped clamshell zip opening provided perfect access to the main compartment so the organization got brand new dimension. I could easily re-organize the content of the backpack without having to dig through my things. I have felt in love with this system and I will never come back to the backpack with the top access only.
All things considered, I can say that after three-days of use, Wisport Crafter 55 was the right choice and even exceed my expectations.
Fully loaded backpack for three-day trip. I have used all the attachments possible. After my trip I was maximally satisfied with my choice of backpack.
Main features
- Backpack ideal for three-day trips
- Reinforced stitching throughout the pack
- Easy access to the main compartment from front via "U" shaped clamshell zip opening
- Top access with two-way zipper
- Velcro patch on the lid for hook-and-loop customisation with IDs, etc.
- Waterproof cover with drawstring placed in a double bottom
- Camelbag compatible
- hydration compartment secured with zipper and equipped with bladder grommet loop
- loops for hydration tubes
- hydration hose UTX Flex mounting brackets on both shoulder straps
- 4 side compression straps (2 on aeach side)
- 10 D rings
- 2 sides ( one on each side)
- 2 bottom (one on each side)
- 6 front (three on each side)
- MOLLE webbing at the front and on the sides
- Compatible with additional Wisport pockets
- Elastic cord and straps with quick-release buckle on the front
- 2 pockets on the outside of the lid
- 1 large mesh zippered pocket on the inside of the main compartment
- 1 mesh pocket on the inside of the lid
- 2 adjustable compression straps with quick-release buckles on the inside of the main compartment
- 1 fabric pocket sewn inside the main compartment (under the lid)
- Durable Wisport zippers with glove-friendly cord pulls (paracord)
- Carrying system: FAS® Ergonomic (Military) with two removable aluminium profiles
- Shoulder straps equipped with quick release buckles
- Suitable for military, survival, professional use, outdoor
Conclusion
All of you looking for a well-thought out, variable, durable backpack for multi-day trips that will last, the Crafter is your right choice. It offers top-class variability and comfort. Also, the organization and access to the backpack were never this easy. Considering price/performance ratio, I dare to say, that it will be difficult to beat it in its category and it is one of the best backpacks I have ever tried in this category ( backpacks up to 60 l ).
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- Tibor Hrušecký
- Tibor works as a director of the development of firefighting and defense footwear. His hobbies are nature and outdoors and also medieval sword fighting. Thanks to his work, he gets into contact with new materials and technologies and he has recently been involved in brewing. He likes to test all products first himself and on the basis of testing he then applies them into further development and production. His motto is :„Do things best as you can and not otherwise".
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